Catholic Charities hosted a World Refugee Day Art Event on June 18 at the Brick at Blue Star Arts Complex to raise awareness and promote advocacy for the plight of refugees around the globe. The event included Eritrean coffee, Henna artists, and artwork for sale representing cultures from around the world.
The United Nations Refugee Agency and thousands of civic groups around the globe host events to raise awareness on World Refugee Day. It is observed in more than 100 countries and involves government officials, humanitarian workers, civilians, and refugees. This year, the theme for World Refugee Day is “Global Impact on Refugees.” It calls for investment in communities that host refugees to help ease the pressure on the host and to help refugees become self-reliant.
Catholic Charities’ Refugee Resettlement Program welcomes, educates, job trains, and resettles refugees successfully leading 86 percent to self-sufficiency within six months. Paula Torisk, Senior Director, Refugee Resettlement says, “once vetted and granted refugee status, our goal is to welcome newcomers and help them assimilate into American life quickly so they can stand on their own two feet. Upon achieving this goal, newcomers are so proud to have a job and a home for their family.”
Photos: Veronica Markland
